Cruise Lines Altering Caribbean Itineraries
In keeping with the U.S. Administration’s recently announced changes to regulations regarding travel to Cuba – basically restricting Americans from visiting there (there are a few exceptions) – cruise lines are quickly modifying itineraries that previously included Havana (pictured) as a port of call.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has ceased all calls to Cuba and are modifying previously scheduled sailings.
“We share your disappointment and frustration caused by this unexpected change. Like you, we were surprised by this sudden modification to policy,” NCL said in a statement. “We thank you for your patience and continued support as we navigate through this recent development. Guests who booked Cuba sailings with us will be contacted very shortly with a detailed communication.”
Guests booked on cruises to Cuba through Sept. 2 have two options: Sail the revised itinerary and receive a 50% refund of the cruise fare paid as well as a 50% future cruise credit valid through Dec. 31, 2020; Cancel the booking and receive a full refund. If guests choose this option, NCL must be notified no later than June 11.
Sailings beyond Sept. 2 will be automatically cancelled and refunds applied to the original form of payment. Guests impacted by these cancellations are offered a 20% discount off current cruise fares on any new voyages booked by Aug. 5 for sailings no later than Dec. 31, 2020.
At MSC Cruises, alternative ports for MSC Armonia are either Key West, Florida, Costa Maya, Mexico, George Town, Cayman Islands, or Cozumel, Mexico. The remainder of Armonia’s itineraries remain as originally planned.
Guests currently on board MSC Armonia and their travel agents have already been informed and will receive US$400 per stateroom as onboard credit. If this credit is not fully used during the cruise, MSC will refund the difference upon check-out from the ship. Any shore excursions in Havana that were pre-purchased before the cruise, or which are included in the ticket, will be automatically refunded to the guest’s onboard account.
Guests on future MSC Armonia sailings that were scheduled to visit Cuba will be offered one of the following: US$400 per stateroom as onboard credit if they choose to remain on their currently booked sailing. If this credit is not fully used during the cruise, MSC will refund the difference upon check-out from the ship. Any shore excursions in Havana that were pre-purchased before the cruise, or which are included in the ticket, will be automatically refunded to the guest’s onboard account; the possibility to change ship and itinerary. MSC will waive cancellation fees and transfer already paid funds to the new booking.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival have also announced that they are altering itineraries previously calling in Cuba.
